The Budos Band Rented A Vintage Organ. Then They Destroyed it On Stage

A video has surfaced showing destruction done to a rented 1967 Vox Continental organ by The Budos Band, a group based out of Staten Island, New York. The cell phone video shows the keyboardist, Mike Deller, on the floor attempting to play the organ that had fallen off the stand, with no one even attempting to pick up or check on the condition of the instrument. How the organ got knocked off is unclear. What is clear, however, is that this instrument was being rented out as backline equipment, and Deller is seen literally ripping the keys right off the organ.

The band responded to the damage on their Facebook page with the following:

“Over the weekend during our set, we managed to damage a rather expensive rented vintage organ. We regret that our actions resulted in equipment damage and will ensure this will not happen again. We already offered to pay for the damage that was done days ago, and we hope that this incident can be handled in a professional manner. The damage was not done on purpose, and it was an unfortunate side effect of our stage show. If you have seen us play live shows, you know we give 110 percent every time we play. The paying fans expect that much from us and we also expect that much from each other. Playing at our level of intensity sometimes produces unwanted results and we regret any damages we may have caused.

We love our fans and the people behind the scenes that make it all happen. We appreciate all of your support and look forward to seeing you out on the road.

Sarah is a freelance music journalist who currently works with several online publications. Based out of New Hampshire, she can be found taste testing local craft brews, or hiking a New England trail to get some fresh air, when not working. Lifelong member of Red Sox Nation and big fan of shenanigans, hi-jinx and tomfoolery.

If you're not already a Nannimaniac, Thursday is your big chance. After spending the afternoon entertaining the masses for our pals up at Woods Valley, Mark will bring his game back to the East Side for a night of keyboard magic.

Nanni's repertoire is vast and varied and tinkles the keys like nobody's business. He may also grace us with his accordion. Soulful, earnest, authentic. Nanni brings it all.